The Gold Rush is one of the most human nature-showing periods in history, where seemingly everyone wanted to go west and get their hands on that elusive, yet abundant gold. We pretend that society isn’t that way still, but the truth is, we all strive for wealth and well-being – they were just more transparent about it during the Gold Rush.
The 19th-century Gold Rush inspired not only a ton of stories but also countless movies and TV shows that we enjoy even today. The films are an opportunity to learn, and get a glimpse of what it must’ve been like to live in the era. Without further ado, here’s a list of the ten best movies about the Gold Rush (with some honorable mentions), and why you should watch them.
Honorable mentions
In our honorable mentions, I wanted to give a shout-out to several TV shows about the subject, as they are arguably even cooler than the movies. If you’re more of a TV series person than a movie person, you’re in the right place, too.
Firstly, despite the pinnacle of the Gold Rush happening in the mid-to-late 19th century, one can’t say it’s not still ongoing. That’s what ‘Gold Rush’ – the reality TV series – is all about. It follows several mining crews in the present day in the Yukon Territory, striving to find land filled with gold, and harvesting it as effectively as possible.
It’s a cool glimpse into the business nowadays, although I reckon it looked a lot different almost two centuries ago.
Next, you have ‘Klondike’ – a 2014 mini-series starring Richard Madden and Abbie Cornish about two friends who take a journey to a small town in Yukon, hoping to find – not earn – a fortune in the gold business. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you’re a fan of the man-versus-nature trope because trust me – there’s a ton of it here!
Lastly, I genuinely urge you to watch ‘Deadwood’ – even if you’re not really that keen on the genre. It’s one of the best TV shows I’ve ever watched, with super interesting characters, and a complex storyline that focuses on the criminal side of the gold business. The show starts off as a Gold Rush tale but develops into something much deeper.
10. ‘The Claim’ (2000)
IMDb score: 6.3/10
What it’s about: To get the rights to a rich gold mine, a prospector sells his wife and daughter to another gold miner. In twenty years, he becomes a wealthy man and is now trying to buy his family back, but it proves more treacherous than it seems. Meanwhile, the Pacific Railroad is being built in his town…
Why you should watch it: The first movie on this list will actually be great to get you into the subject. Although it’s quite different from other films on the list, ‘The Claim’ actually sums up the Gold Rush perfectly – it was pure greed, to the point of literally selling your family to get the riches. Peter Mullan is awesome in the film it includes other stars as well, like Milla Jovovich and Wes Bentley.
9. ‘Paint Your Wagon’ (1969)
IMDb score: 6.6/10
What it’s about: Two guys – a prospector and a farmer – form a partnership revolving around their gold mining business. Along the way, they buy and share a wife, kidnap prostitutes, drink, gamble – and sing.
Why you should watch it: The film is a comedy musical about the Gold Rush that stars Clint Eastwood. Yes, Eastwood is in a comedy musical. You really don’t want to miss this one.
8. ‘Nikki, Wild Dog of the North’ (1961)
IMDb score: 6.7/10
What it’s about: Nikki is a half-dog, half-wolf pup that was raised in the Yukon during the Gold Rush. In the cold, rugged environment of the Yukon, Nikki gets separated from her human in the wilderness and is forced to fend for herself, fighting not just the weather but other beasts such as bears and poachers that want her for her fur.
Why you should watch it: When you read the description, the movie sounds a lot like the famous story of the White Fang. However, it’s far from it – Nikki is a unique story, told from the dog’s perspective, as well as her humans that are trying to survive, and trying to find her. It’s a heartwarming tale that you’ll thoroughly enjoy – especially if you’re an animal lover.
7. ‘The Call of the Wild’ (2020)
IMDb score: 6.7/10
What it’s about: Buck is a kind, big dog that has been coddled and spoiled in California before being stolen and eventually taken to Yukon to become a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck found his way, and eventually answered the call of the wild… Based on Jack London’s legendary story.
Why you should watch it: ‘The Call of the Wild’ is a phenomenal story that has been adapted so many times, but I chose to put the newest one on the list simply due to recency bias. It stars Harrison Ford and Omar Sy, and the story is slightly changed from the original novel.
If you want to check out some other adaptations of the same story, there’s ‘The Call of the Wild’ from 1972 starring Charlton Heston, or even better, 1935’s ‘Call of the Wild’ with Clark Gable.
6. ‘White Fang’ (1991)
IMDb score: 6.7/10
What it’s about: White Fang – a dog-wolf mix breed, befriends Jack, a young gold hunter trying to find his fortune during the Yukon Gold Rush in the late 19th century. Jack saves White Fang from an abusive owner, but despite their love and friendship, Jack soon realizes that White Fang may be better off without him… Will he do what’s right, or succumb to his fears?
Why you should watch it: Although many say this isn’t the best adaptation of Jack London’s famous tale of the White Fang, it’s still my favorite. Young Ethan Hawke was a great Jack, and seeing that the movie was produced by Disney, it’s really kid-friendly. Another awesome version of ‘White Fang’ is the animated film from 2018, originally titled ‘Croc-Blanc’ – I highly recommend it.
5. ‘North to Alaska’ (1960)
IMDb score: 6.9/10
What it’s about: A prospector named George left his fiancee in Seattle during the Gold Rush to go to Alaska and find his fortune. He sends his partner back to Seattle to bring his fiancee back to him, but as it turns out, she doesn’t wait – she marries another man. Not to go back empty-handed, Sam finds a substitute and brings to Alaska a hostess from the Henhouse…
Why you should watch it: ‘North to Alaska’ is a classic old-school western comedy that you’ll absolutely love. There’s romance, friendship, fighting, laughing, stealing, and total ridiculousness involved. Naturally, John Wayne is spectacular in the film, but the entire story is so much fun that I couldn’t recommend this one more!
4. ‘The Sisters Brothers’ (2018)
IMDb score: 6.9/10
What it’s about: ‘The Sisters brothers’ are actually paid assassins who are trying to hunt down a gold prospector to kill him. However, having doubts about the longevity of their profession, they take the prospector’s offer to hunt down gold with him, using a unique method that involves heavy chemicals that make the gold luminescent…
Why you should watch it: I dare say that ‘The Sisters Brothers’ is unlike any other movie on this list, and I absolutely loved it! It’s based on Patrick DeWitt’s hit novel and involves a star-studded cast of John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Riz Ahmed. There are a couple of twists in the film that will blow you away, too – if you choose only one film from this list, choose this one.
3. ‘How the West Was Won’ (1962)
IMDb score: 7.0/10
What it’s about: The story follows the Prescott family through several decades in the 19th century, spanning the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and other important events during the Westward expansion.
Why you should watch it: This is probably one of the most famous westerns ever, as it literally has over 20 movie stars packed in one film – including John Wayne, James Stewart, Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker, Henry Fonda, Debbi Reynolds, and many others. It involves a plot about the Gold Rush – but this film is so much more. It’s a cult classic for a reason.
Now the film is nearly three hours long, but if you want more from the story, I recommend the 1976-1979 TV series of the same name, starring James Arness and Bruce Boxleitner. The family name here is the Macahans, but the gist is about the same. The show, however, boasts an 8.2/10 IMDb score.
2. ‘The Far Country’ (1954)
IMDb score: 7.1/10
What it’s about: As the Gold Rush begins in the late 19th century, Jeff Webster sees it as an opportunity not to get into the gold business, but to make a fortune in beef. Still, life takes him elsewhere, and Jeff gets into the business with his partner after driving a cattle herd from Wyoming all the way to Yukon…
Why you should watch it: Yet again, James Stewart really owns the role, creating one of my favorite Western films ever – especially when we talk about films related to the Gold Rush. The film has several twists and breathtaking scenery. I won’t talk more to avoid spoilers, but it’s a genuine must-watch.
1. ‘The Gold Rush’ (1925)
IMDb score: 8.1/10
What it’s about: Charlie Chaplin is The Lone Prospector, who goes to Klondike alone to try and find his fortune in the gold business. However, he meets a woman in a dancing hall who completely knocks him off his feet. He tries to win her over with his unique charm, but other shady characters might get in his way.
Why you should watch it: Any Charlie Chaplin flick is an absolute must-watch – but this one is probably the best. At least in my humble opinion, and Chaplin’s, too! When ‘The Gold Rush’ came out, Charlie called it ‘The Picture I Want To Be Remembered By’ – and despite that probably not being the case, it’s still one of his greatest pieces you just have to see.
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